Airbnb Adds Meal Delivery Twist with Chef-Made Dishes
Airbnb is teaming up with CookUnity, a chef-led meal delivery service, to make eating on trips less complicated. The collaboration allows Airbnb users to pre-order prepared dishes by notable chefs directly through Airbnb Services. The idea is to give both guests and locals access to fresh meals without needing to cook or rely on takeaway. The meals are created in small batches and arrive chilled, ready to heat and eat within minutes.
The partnership brings a line-up of recognisable culinary names to the Airbnb app. CookUnity’s roster includes award-winning chefs such as Esther Choi, Cat Cora, Ludo Lefebvre, José Garces, Einat Admony, Aarthi Sampath, Dustin Taylor and John DeLucie. Their menus cover different cuisines and cooking styles, ranging from comfort food to globally inspired signatures. Airbnb says the offer aims to bring convenience and value during stays, especially for families, business travellers and people with limited time.
“Our new partnership with CookUnity fits perfectly into the ethos of Airbnb Services – offering guests more convenience, comfort and value during their travels. We’re excited to bring CookUnity’s expertise in high-quality, reliably-delivered meals directly into the Airbnb app, making it easier for guests to enjoy fresh, ready-to-heat gourmet meals during their stay or even at home."
Users in selected U.S. cities can now place meal orders in curated bundles ranging from three to six dishes through Airbnb Services, starting at around $15 per meal. Meals arrive in sustainable packaging and go straight in the fridge. CookUnity plans to expand availability throughout more U.S. locations and into Canada by the end of the year. According to CookUnity’s founder Mateo Marietti, the collaboration helps chefs reach wider audiences while giving diners a more relaxed way to experience restaurant-level food.
Early rollout and availability
Current availability (selected U.S. cities):
- Meal bundles: 3 to 6 dishes
- Starting price: approx. $15 per meal
- Expansion areas planned: more U.S. cities + Canada this year
Beyond the immediate convenience, the partnership gives access to a wider food scene without having to leave the accommodation. Guests staying in neighbourhoods with fewer dining options, or those arriving late, gain an easy way to eat something fresh without navigating unfamiliar locations. For anyone staying long enough to need more than a single dinner out, the bundled approach also supports shorter grocery runs and reduces food waste.
The move reflects a shift in how accommodation platforms approach ancillary services. Rather than sticking to beds and check-in details, Airbnb is leaning into add-ons that fit real travel behaviour - late flights, jet lag, tired families, stormy weather and work deadlines. If the rollout proves successful, meal services could become a regular feature of short-term stays across North America, making eating on the road less of a daily puzzle.
